Actor Chris Pratt (left) and director James Gunn (shown at the Hollywood Film Awards in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2014) talked about working together in "Guardians of the Galaxy" in a recent interview. Photo: Reuters/Kevork Djansezian

In a recent interview with GQ, Chris Pratt and James Gunn spoke about “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” and what it was like to film the 2014 original together. The actor was briefed about the upcoming movie and he said he got “teary-eyed” after hearing what writer-director Gunn had to say.

Pratt did not reveal what aspect of the movie made him so emotional; Gunn shared only parts of the script with him. “He just knows me too well to tell me too much,” the actor said. The movie, to be released in 2017, is expected to explore details about protagonist Peter Quill’s father. The actor also implied he may have commitments to at least two “Guardians of the Galaxy” sequels and a few spinoff movies from the franchise.

The success of the first "Guardians of the Galaxy" has made Pratt one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, but in the interview he recalled when he was not so popular. He said there were times when he would be holding the purse of his wife, actress Anna Faris, at events, and people looked right through him. Some actors would also reportedly “hit on” his wife right in front of him. The actor said he hopes that such actors come to audition for a role in “Guardians of the Galaxy 2.”

Describing working with Gunn, Pratt said he was concerned that he was doing some “bad acting” in the movie. The director reportedly wanted him to be his humorous self in the movie and the actor felt that it was “inauthentic.” The director, however, explained to him that he didn’t care what the actor thought.

Gunn was said to have reminded Pratt that it was not the actor’s movie and he had to just shut up and do as he was told. In a Facebook post after the interview, the director said this was “probably the most honest interview about an actor” that he has given. The director also advised all artists not to constantly judge the work they are a part of and instead focus on the work and the “act of creation.”

The director explained that Pratt transformed “his way of acting” throughout the 2014 movie and he is “really proud” of what the actor achieved. Talking about “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” Gunn said that just like the actor, he gets “teary” every time he thinks about what audiences will see.